ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army on Wednesday sealed Bhara Kahu, a densely populated locality on the outskirts of the federal capital, by closing all entry and exit points after a group of people tested positive for coronavirus in the area.
“The area has been completely locked down for all kind of movement … our teams are surveying the locality for more suspected cases,” Hamza Shafqaat, Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner, told Arab News.
He said that a total of 16 people had tested positive for coronavirus from the area while another 15 were quarantined at their homes on the suspicion of contracting the virus. “We are expecting their test reports by evening today [Wednesday],” he said.
The deputy commissioner said the army troops had taken charge of the area along with Rangers and police to ensure the safety and security of the public.
Pakistan has 1,000 diagnosed patients of coronavirus as of Wednesday, and it has recorded eight fatalities due to the viral infection since February 26, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.
The country is struggling to contain the spread of the virus through different initiatives, including testing suspected cases, establishing large quarantine centers and restricting movement of people through partial lockdowns.
The capital administration on Monday placed Islamabad’s union council of Kot Hathial under quarantine after six members of Tablighi Jamaat residing in the area tested positive for coronavirus. After a man from Kyrgyzstan who was part of the preaching team tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, samples were sent for testing of other members of the delegation as well.
Shortly after that, 16 people of Bhara Kahu neighborhood tested positive on Wednesday, compelling the army troops to move in and seal the whole area including grocery shops and pharmacies.
“This area is being sealed on the government’s directives as coronavirus has spread in the locality,” security forces announced through a megaphone while requesting people to stay at their homes.
According to the district administration, at least six check posts have been set up at the entry and exit points of the locality with special teams from the National Institute of Health (NIH) screening hundreds of people to prevent further spread of the virus.
The administration has advised the people to self-quarantine at homes as a precautionary measure along with warnings against violating the restrictions.
“A penalty of 6-month imprisonment or 100,000 rupees fine will be imposed if anyone violates the restriction orders,” Inspector Naeem Iqbal, a police spokesman, told Arab News.
Coronavirus: Army seals Islamabad’s neighborhood after 16 test positive
https://arab.news/pvpuy
Coronavirus: Army seals Islamabad’s neighborhood after 16 test positive
- At least 15 suspected cases are quarantined at their homes in Bhara Kahu and their test reports are awaited, says the deputy commissioner
- Anyone violating the restrictions could face 6-month imprisonment or Rs 100,000 fine
Pakistan stock market crosses record 174,000 points during intraday trading
- Pakistan Finance Adviser Khurram Schehzad says stock market’s equity investor base has increased by over 120,000 in last 18 months
- Official says stock market’s record levels reflect growing investor confidence supported by continued macro stability and key reforms
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) crossed a record 174,000 points on Monday, Finance Adviser Khurram Schehzad said, marking a strong start to the business week.
According to the data available on the PSX’s official website, the KSE-100 benchmark reported 174,411.72 points during the intraday trading on Monday morning.
“Another milestone for Pakistan’s equity market,” Schehzad wrote on social media platform X. “The KSE-100 Index has crossed 174,400 points, marking yet another record high.”
Pointing out the stock market’s achievements this year, Schehzad said the PSX has delivered 50 percent plus returns in US dollar terms to investors since January this year, “making it one of the best markets in Asia.”
He noted that investors’ participation in the PSX is rising fast, adding that the equity investor base has increased by over 120,000 to cross the 450,000 figure in the last 18 months, marking a 37 percent increase.
“These record levels reflect growing investor confidence, supported by continued macro stability, key reforms, and improving prospects for more sustainable, higher future growth,” he said.
Pakistan’s stocks have surged in recent years, marking a strong performance this year as Islamabad moves to consolidate its financial recovery after years of economic turbulence, which saw it on the verge of a sovereign default in June 2023.
Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have surged past the $21 billion mark, as per the central bank’s latest data.
In recent years, the South Asian country has also implemented tough structural reforms under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programs, aimed at reducing fiscal deficits and restoring investor confidence.
